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Information of Ivory Coast |
Capital: Yamoussoukro
Official Language: French
Currency: West African CFA Franc
The wonderland of Ivory Coast lies in the western skirts of Africa. Formerly known as Cote d' Ivoire, Ivory Coast is both a model of typical rural African life and a city with outstanding monuments and architecture. Major portion of the Ivory Coast is vast plateau drained by four rivers namely the Cavally, Sassandra, Bandama and Comoe. Ivory Coast is famous world wide for its great cocoa production and slave and ivory trades of the past. It is truly termed as the land of hope for the good-natured Ivorians, who are always friendly and welcoming to the visitors taking a tour to the country. It is a multi ethnic country with the Kru people, Senoufo, Lobi, Malinke and the Akan Baule natives. Ivory Coast became a French colony in 1899 and earned independence in 1960.
Major Cities of Ivory Coast
Major cities of Ivory Coast include Korhogo in the north, Bouake and Yamoussoukro in the central, Daloa in the west and San -Pedro in the southwest.
Tourist Attractions of Ivory Coast
Often called the New York of West Africa, Abidjan is the major financial center of West Africa. The important districts are Plateau, Cocody, Treichville, Koumassi and Marcory. Built along the shore of a calm lagoon Abidjan with its wide tree-lined boulevards, outdoor cafes, and gleaming skyscrapers is a hot tourist destination. Worth seeing is the museum displaying traditional Ivorian arts and potteries, a national library, several scientific and agricultural institutes. The Plateau lying across the Charles de Gaulle Bridge is a beautiful place to take long walk amidst many shops and parks and Treichville to the south is renowned for its nightclubs and cozy restaurants. Yamoussoukro or Ivory Coast's capital is truly amazing with grand architectural works. "La Basilique Notre Dame de la Paix" is the most defining monument in here towering above the horizon. It is the second largest church in the world. The former Presidential Palace is used by relatives and is off limits to visitors. An hour's drive from town is the d'Abokouamekro Game Reserve. The serene park is home to hippos, birds, including waterfowl and other indigenous wildlife. A day's drive from Yamoussoukro will make way to Comoe National Park, the country's largest game reserve.
Korhogo is a fantastic travel spot lying in the northern part of Ivory Coast. Korhogo is a pleasant community and features a small museum, a craft center and a lively market. The area is home to the Senoufo people who are traditional farmers and hunters. Senoufo masks are renowned for their intricately carved animal heads and magical charms.
In the western city of Man is traced the rich culture of the Yacouba people - also known as the Dan. La Dent de Man or the Tooth of Man is one of Ivory Coast's highest peaks and Cascade waterfall in a bamboo forest, in the lush region around the town of Man is simply superb with annual Festival of Masks and jovial stilt dancers.
Hotels and Accommodation in Ivory Coast
Abidjan is the main airport. Metered orange taxis in Abidjan are popular local transports and safe for the tourists hire. Buses are overcrowded and best avoided. Hotels
Novotel, Sofitel and Tiama are popular places to stay in Abidjan. The opulent Hotel Ivoire Intercontinental in the Coocdy district of Abidjan features West Africa's only indoor ice-skating rink. And further away in the Riviera district is the Golf Hotel, with its highly acclaimed golf course. Le President in Yamoussoukro is a luxurious four-star hotel and a chief attraction of the city.
Precaution in Ivory Coast
Tour lovers deciding too travel to Ivory Coast should be aware of the frequent violence in the country due to enhanced anti-Western sentiment. Violent crime is on the increase, including armed break-ins, muggings and hold-ups in restaurants. Evening rush hour on Abidjan's Charles de Gaulle Bridge is particularly dangerous. Visitors should be meticulous in respecting the numerous army and police roadblocks. Police and security forces can be excitable and undisciplined. Particular care should be taken in the north and west of the country where there have been frequent clashes.
Health Problems in Ivory Coast
Various destructive diseases are in an alarming rise in Ivory Coast and also a cause of concern to the tourists. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Ivory Coast. Cholera is present in rural areas, malaria is widespread even in urban areas and there have been cases of Ebola in the far west quite recently. Typhoid, hepatitis A, B and C, and tuberculosis vaccinations are also recommended. All water should be sterilized before use, and milk should be boiled.
For further details and information on Ivory Coast and its tourist destinations flip through the pages of allwonderscountries
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